I'm confused and would like to be set on the right track fashionwise.
I keep reading that when travelling to the big 'posh' cities, it's only 'cool' to wear black.
THis is what confuses me. Now that spring is here and summer is on the way, I see such pretty spring and summer colors in the stores. Who wears all these refreshingly pretty clothes. The purses are such vibrant colors. Who is buying them? Or is it ok to have a flashy bag with a black dress. And I'm seeing really pretty colored sandals.

I personally feel quite old and dowdy in all black, unless I have on a nice black cocktail dress. But what is the reason for wearing all black for an entire trip? So you can wear your clothes more often with out showoing the dirt?

Those on this board who seem to be the IN group ( and you know who you are!)and seem to be fashion concious seem to be such fun loving people. DO you really travel in black all the time? I think of old Italian ladies in mourning for the rest of their lives and only wearing black.

I am not one of the pink jogging suit/fanny pack/ crowd, and I do dress conservatively, but do I really need to wear black ALL the time?
Oh and isn't it awefully hot in the summer.
I think white or cream is very cool adn refreshing looking.

I'm like any help to straighten me out!!

Troll? Anybody smell a troll?

I think the reason black is so popular in big cities is because it is so practical. We've seen all the pretty colors in the stores in London and we couldn't figure out who was buying them either - you sure didn't see them on the streets.

I'm not a big black fan either. I don't bring a lot of whites and pastels because they are often only good for one wearing. I'll bring khaki, navy, etc... instead of black.

I do not dislike black, but I am with you, I like some color. We were in Italy last summer, and I found black too hot.In the future, I won't wear black in the summer.

Enjoy some color!

Hi Budman!

muffin are you traveling to Europe?!?

Yea Budman...I'm gettin' the scent.

Budman. Troll??? YOu obviously aren't a woman being intimidated on this board and stressing about what to wear.

For the other answers, thank you so much. I'm so happy to hear it isn't just me who likes some pretty colors in her wardrobe.
I have to admit Kay, I wouldn't wear my pastel colors on holiday either, but I do wear Khaki, navy, etc. I try to co ordinate my vacation clothes so I can mix and match. I do like to add a yellow top to brightne things up.

Who is muffin? Did I miss something.
I'd do a smiley shrug if I knew how!!

gone: Muffin is someone who posts about what to wear when traveling - nuf said.

I understand what you mean about wearing black. I tend to wear a lot of black myself but have learned to add punches of color. I am particularly fond of my new hot pink and muted green trenchies that I wear with black slacks, black shell and black flats.

It depends where you are going, few wear black in the south of France except for the very elderly who have lost family. Most Americans feel safer, secure in black and are not really into fashion so if you have fun with color do not hesitate. Wearing what makes you feel good is the key, be it black or color.
troll-la-la- lala-la-la.

How can someone who has posted about planning and saving for a low cost trip to Prague and Budapest in 2006 ALSO be asking about "What colours to wear in Ulster and Eire -- i.e. avoid green? orange?"

And why post the same question about bathing attire (!)on both US and European forums -- what IS the lady's destination??

Trollissima!

BUT: To answer the initial question:

Yes you must wear black in large cities, esp. Paris. They have officers posted at the city gates -- yes, Paris city gates, just like in the middle act of Boheme -- who will turn you away if you are improperly dressed.

Though the RER from CDG (naturally) doesn't stop at any surface "city gates" there are monitors aboard the trains to enforce the regulations ("assurer la conformite des voyageurs aux normes d'habillement&quot -- and you know the French and their regulations!

In Rome, moreover, a year of papal mourning has been decreed.

If you want colours, try the South -- in St Tropez "Hospital green is the new black"

Your coats sound great Seetheworld!
I've had so much of dreary winter, I'm enjoying seeing all the colors in the stores.
I do admit , I think black jeans look nicer than blue jeans and I like to wear the black ones. And I love to wear my black turtle neck with them , BUT then I must add color, like a read jacket or something.
Thanks again everyone ( well, mostly everyone!) for the help.

I wear black because it's chic and fashionable but truthfully I can't stand not to punctuate it with something bright, like a scarf or jewelry or a handbag. I noticed most women do the same, too.

tedgale, you really MUST learn to properly read posts. I said when I WENT to Ireland, I was told about the colors. No where did I say I was going there again.
I've also explained why my other post turned up twice. My server dropped me and I thought I'd lost the post and retyped it.

Now I remember why I'm so hesitant to post on Fodor's. It's a great travel forum, but you people are relentless at tearing people apart.
You must be very happy that you are perfect.

OH Right, you arent' perfect. You thought I was GOING to Ireland.
AND um, even on a budget, I still want to look nice. Is that ok?

Thanks again to all those who chose to help me.

Gee, Tedgale, can't people plan more than one trip at a time?

Troll or not, I think it's a good question, and one I'm currently stressing about! I wear a lot of black and usually travel to Europe in Fall, Winter or early Spring, so wardrobe is not so much of an issue.

This time, I'm going in August. Do people really wear black in the summer too, punctuated with color or not? It's certainly easiest, but isn't it too hot?

Please don't tell me to wear what I want...I promise I will! I'm really interested to know if black is prevalent in Paris in the summer!

M_K, I'd love to hear from you, too. Thanks.

To "gone",
Please ignore the rude manner. Not everyone is here to chastise.

Your question is indeed a fine one. My answer: where what you feel comfortable in! You are the one traveling far and away.
I, for one, get as ugly as some of the posts on this board if I am uncomfortable!

Eat, drink, and be comfy!

Happy travels, T.

p.s. Pardon, that is "wear", not where, good heavens I am sleepy. Nightie night Tiff!

I don't really get this whole black thing. "Wearing a lot of black" doesn't necessarily mean you are in black from head to toe. If I wear black jeans, slacks, or skirt, with a black jacket or sweater, I put a bright or pastel tank or T or sweater underneath. I really don't think this hit of color is particularly "unEuropean." Certainly I've been mistaken enough times for a local. (When someone asks me for directions in the local language, I figure they think I live there.)

In hot weather, you can still be comfortable in a very lightweight pair of black linen or rayon pants. But I would wear a light-colored top, unless it was evening.

gone, if you are sincere, then you should know that you happen to be posting immediately following a rash of very nasty trolls. Perhaps that is why people are suspicious.

I miss muffin so much. I can't help wonder what spa she is languishing in, wrapped in a big soft robe, stroking her pet lizard, while waiting for her leather pants to return from the dry cleaners.

I feel cooler in lighter colors in the heat so tend to wear them. Wear what you like and feel comfortable in. Some people like to stick to one or two colors when travelling to help with coordinating their wardrobes. I prefer a bit of variety, myself.